Winter Construction Safety: Protecting Your Crew (and Your Project)

Building in winter isn't for the faint of heart. When temperatures drop below freezing, construction sites become dangerous fast. After 20+ years of building through Ohio winters, we've learned that good safety protocols aren't just about compliance—they're about getting everyone home safe every single day.

Here's what winter safety really looks like on a construction site.

When Is It Too Cold to Work?

Let's start with the numbers everyone wants to know:

• Below 32°F: Increased caution required, mandatory warm-up breaks every hour
• Below 20°F: Limited outdoor work, heated enclosures for essential tasks
• Below 0°F or wind chill of -20°F: No outdoor work, period
• Wind chill matters: 30°F with 20mph wind feels like 17°F—we factor this in

We check weather forecasts every morning and monitor conditions throughout the day. If temps are dropping, we adjust the schedule in real-time.

Cold Weather Injuries We Watch For

Hypothermia warning signs:

• Shivering that won't stop
• Confusion or slurred speech
• Drowsiness or exhaustion
• Loss of coordination

Frostbite commonly hits:

• Fingers and toes
• Ears and nose
• Any exposed skin

White or grayish-yellow skin? Numb areas? That's frostbite. We train every crew member to recognize these signs in themselves and their coworkers.

Our Cold Weather Safety Setup

Warming stations: We set up heated trailers or tents where crews can warm up, change into dry clothes, and grab hot coffee or soup. These aren't optional—they're mandatory.

Required gear for everyone:

• Insulated, waterproof boots (no exceptions)
• Layered clothing with moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulated gloves that still allow dexterity
• Face protection for extreme cold
• Eye protection for wind and snow

Mandatory breaks: In cold weather, we enforce 10-minute warm-up breaks every hour. Your body can't maintain productivity (or safety) when it's fighting hypothermia.

Keeping the Site Safe

Winter adds hazards that don't exist in summer:

Ice and snow removal:

• Walkways cleared before crews arrive (usually by 6:30 AM)
• Sand or ice melt on all walking surfaces
• Scaffolding and ladders cleared of ice before use
• Handrails and guardrails checked daily for ice buildup

Slip-resistant everything: Temporary stairs, ramps, and platforms get non-slip treatments. We've seen too many injuries from workers slipping on frost-covered lumber.

Equipment Challenges in Cold Weather

Cold temperatures wreak havoc on tools and equipment:

• Batteries die fast: We keep spare batteries warm and rotate them throughout the day
• Hydraulic fluids thicken: Equipment gets cold-weather fluids and pre-warming time
• Air hoses become brittle: We use cold-rated hoses and store them inside overnight
• Metal tools conduct cold: Insulated handles are standard, along with hand warmers in glove compartments

Pro tip: A frozen nail gun is a useless nail gun. We store air tools indoors between uses.

Electrical Safety Gets More Serious

Moisture and electricity are always a bad combo. Winter makes it worse:

• GFCI (ground fault) protection on every circuit—no exceptions
• Cords inspected daily for damage from cold and moisture
• Temporary heaters placed away from flammable materials
• Generator exhaust vented outside—carbon monoxide is odorless and deadly
• Extension cords rated for outdoor winter use only

We've had inspectors show up unannounced to check electrical safety. We welcome it—it keeps everyone honest.

Special Considerations for Materials

Concrete work in winter:

• No concrete poured if temps will drop below 40°F within 72 hours
• Heated enclosures for foundation work
• Insulation blankets until concrete reaches full strength
• We test strength, not just wait the standard cure time

Material storage:

• Drywall kept dry (water damage = replacement)
• Paint stored above 50°F (frozen paint is ruined)
• Lumber tarped against snow and ice
• Adhesives brought inside 24 hours before use

Emergency Preparedness

Winter emergencies can escalate quickly. Our sites are equipped with:

• First aid kits with cold-weather supplies (warming packs, emergency blankets)
• Emergency contact numbers posted in multiple locations
• Backup communication systems (jobsite phones charge in warming stations)
• Emergency transportation plan if weather strands workers
• Backup heat sources if primary systems fail

Every crew member knows: if you feel unsafe, stop work immediately. No timeline is worth an injury.

Daily Safety Briefings

Every morning before work starts, we gather for a 10-minute safety meeting:

• Today's weather forecast and wind chill
• Specific hazards for today's tasks
• Location of warming stations and first aid
• Who to contact in case of emergency
• Reminder to watch out for each other

Construction crews are teams. When one person spots a hazard, everyone benefits.

What This Means for Homeowners

If you're building in winter, here's what you should see:

• Crews properly dressed for conditions (if they're not, speak up)
• Clean, well-maintained sites with clear walkways
• Heated spaces for workers
• Regular safety meetings
• Work that stops when weather becomes dangerous

Good builders don't compromise safety to hit deadlines. Period.

Building This Winter?

Ask your builder about their cold weather safety protocols. At Scheffer Construction, worker safety isn't negotiable—it's how we do business, every single day.

Visit www.SchefferHomes.com to learn more about our commitment to safety, quality, and building homes the right way.